My heart breaks as I read about the Nigerian girls who were kidnapped last month. I cannot imagine the anguish the parents suffer while they worry about their precious children, not to mention the terror and atrocities the children face. They are just children who should be playing, laughing, and enjoying life. Instead they await an unknown fate as their kidnapper threatens to sell them off.

The sad thing is, this happens to children on a daily basis all around the world. An individual may offer a girl or boy the promise of a better life without ever intending to fulfill it. Once the person has the child away from family, he/she increases the fees to make it impossible for them to ever pay them what they owe. The child is forced into prostitution to pay the debt that will never be settled. Violence, threats, drugs, and isolation are often used to keep the victims compliant. Many will die of diseases they contract, and only a few ever break free to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

Other scenarios also take place, but slavery STILL EXISTS. It happens all over the world, including right here in the United States. Don't believe me? Check out this website.

So now that you know slavery and sex trafficking is real, what can be done about it? Look for local organizations that help victims rebuild their lives. There are many of them out there that need volunteers or financial assistance. You can also find national organizations to support as well as international ones, just be sure to do your research to make sure they are legitimate. Write to your legislatures and ask for tougher penalties for traffickers and stricter laws concerning the industry. And PRAY! For some, that is all we can do. God is mighty and hears our prayers, even when we don't see the answers.